Monument record MDO474 - Medieval East Bridge, East Street, Bridport

During works on the River Asker in 1981, the remains of a pier from an earlier bridge than the existing East Bridge over the Asker at Bridport, were examined. This earlier bridge was built on a more NW-SE alignment. This may be the earlier bridge is that mentioned in documentary sources in 1481.

During works on the River Asker in 1981, the remains of an earlier bridge than the existing East Bridge over the Asker at Bridport, were examined. One pier measuring 1.1m wide and over 5m long, with the remains of a watercut on the north end was found beneath the existing bridge. The axis of the pier was at 26 degrees to the east abutment of the existing bridge, indicating that the earlier bridge was built on a more NW-SE alignment. It is suggested that the earlier bridge is that mentioned in documentary sources in 1481 (1).

(SY 472 928) East Bridge [NAT] (1)

East Bridge over River Asker, 1784. Ashlar, single semi-circular arch. Grade II (2,3)

Remains of an earlier bridge were found in 1981. A pier 1.1m wide and at least 5.0m long was aligned at 26o to the modern bridge. Documentary evidence suggests that it may belong to a bridge mentioned in 1481 (4)

National Record of the Historic Environment, 868107 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

<1> Keen, L J, 1981, 'Bridport' Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 127 (Article in serial). SWX1429.

Record last edited

Dec 19 2022 7:52PM